SegAway Tours Of Columbus

Photos by OHventures

SegAway Tours of Columbus
400 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 222-3005

Having lived in Columbus for 10 years, I never thought that in just two hours on a Segway, I could learn so much more about the city, and see so many nooks and crannies that I had not yet seen. These two wheeled contraptions are extremely popular forms of recreational transportation, and many large cities offer tours via Segway.

SegAway Tours of Columbus offers a series of tours for anyone interested in uncovering hidden secrets about the city while leisurely gliding through the parkways, riversides, and sidewalks of downtown, Arena District, Short North, and Victorian Village.

There are several tours to choose from 7 days a week, on both mornings and afternoons. Evening tours are offered in summer months, when daylight allows. Each tour costs $59 per rider, and it is most definitely worth it, whether you are visiting from out of town, or if you've lived here all your life.

No experience is necessary to sign up for a tour. This was very important, since neither myself nor my friend Anna (from Colorado) had ever stepped foot on a Segway prior to our  tour this June. 

The instructors from SegAway Tours of Columbus provide 15-20 minute introductory lessons for the group. They were very helpful in getting our group of 8 riders comfortable and familiar with the Segway. The Segway is a self-balancing battery-powered electric vehicle, with computers, sensors, and electric motors in the base. This means there are no buttons, nobs, levers, or controls on the handles or "dashboard." Instead, riders command the Segway to go forward and backward by shifting their weight forward or backward on the platform. These means pushing down on your toes to move forward, and pushing back on your heels to go backward. 

The motions are very minor and sensitive, so it does take time to get used to it. Turning and steering is done with the handlebar, which shifts back and forth only to the left and right (it does not pivot like the handlebar of a bike). You go faster by pushing harder, and go slower by pushing lighter with your feet. The max speed is 12.5 mph, but the average speed we would be going on our tour was 8 mph.

After getting acclimated to the Segway, we were off and running. Our tour guide, Jim, had a headset on, and we all had earpieces so we could hear him as he described points of interest and landmarks along the way. He also would advise us of any pedestrians, obstacles, stop lights, and other instructions to be aware of while we rode.

Map from SegAway Tours of Columbus

We started at the Greater Columbus Convention Center (where the tour headquarters is located) and then made our way down to Nationwide Plaza. The route then led us down to the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus Dispatch building, Bricker & Eckler, the Ohio Theatre, the Columbus Commons, the Scioto Mile, COSI, North Bank Park, Huntington Park, Nationwide Arena, and then back to our starting point (we did not go to Goodale Park, as shown, due to ComFest taking place)!

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and added a good sense of humor and fun to the tour. He learned all of our names and interacted with us frequently. He would give us tips on how to improve our Segway techniques along the way. It was very helpful, because as time went on, I started to become more comfortable and natural on the Segway. He also stopped on a bridge and took photos of all of us.

The best part of the trip was all of the tidbits I learned, and all of the things that have changed in the city since I moved away 3 years ago. One of my favorite things to see was Coleman's Pointe, a scenic overlook named after Columbus' longest serving mayor, Michael Coleman. A quote by Mayor Coleman is shown on the promenade, which sums it up very nicely: "A city that stays the same falls behind."

Columbus is continuously changing, and seeing it from the vantage point of a Segway was incredibly exciting. Book your tour now because they fill up fast!

The Deer Of The Scioto

Photos by OHventures

Genoa Park
303 W. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Genoa Park is a beautiful park on the Western bank of the Scioto River, right behind COSI Columbus: The Center of Science & Industry in downtown Columbus, right off of Broad Street. At the center of the park, you'll find a set of large amphitheater steps, alternating with grass and concrete, which overlook the river, and provide for a great view of the iconic Columbus skyline (including the Riffe Center, Huntington Tower, and the Ohio Supreme Court Building). The park lies directly across the river from the Scioto Mile.

Plenty of people head to Genoa Park to have picnics, bike, run, and check out the fountains atop the amphitheater. But, now, as of late 2015, there is a new reason to come to Genoa Park: statues of giant bronze deer. Yes, you read that right. Giant bronze deer.

You can find two bronze sculptures of "humanized" deer at Genoa Park, one sitting upright on the stairs, and the other lounging nearby in the grass (a third deer can be found at the nearby Rich Street Bridge, leaning against the railing, looking out on the river). But why?! Well, apparently, the name of the Scioto River is derived from a Native American word that means "hairy water." Legend states that Shawnee tribe members found deer hair floating in the water when they migrated to the area. Hence, hairy water. Hence...deer statues?!

Artist Terry Allen came up with the concept and design, which is meant to represent how deer used to be prevalent in this area along the Scioto River, but now it is populated by humans, who often are running, biking, and lounging along the riverside. It is meant to be thought provoking and engaging to the public, to show a cross between when the deer once lived here and how humans currently do. Whatever it is, I think it's pretty cool - although a bit strange. 

Run With The Pack 2013 Recap

Photos by OHventures

How many races have YOU run this year?

My 3-year old 9-pound chihuahua-mix just ran his 3rd 5K race in one year. If that's any more than you have run, then you had better throw out all of your excuses and step up your game! 

The 2013 Run With The Pack 5K took place on Saturday, June 15 at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park in Columbus. This was the 2nd year that I participated with my little canine companion, Slider, who has turned out to be quite the athlete, especially for being such a tiny dog (a vet friend of mine said he has "really great running form").

This "doggy 5K" was to benefit Pets Without Parents, an organization dedicated to finding homes for lost, abandoned, and/or stray shelter dogs. Being that my dog was a stray dog whom I rescued from the Franklin County Animal Shelter last year, I had an invested interest in this particular race. While most people who participated had their dogs with them, it was not a requirement. Many people ran pup-less as well, either because their dog was not able to run, or because they are not dog owners themselves (yet still support the cause).

While last year I knew no one who was running in this event, this year, I had a great deal of friends who also took part in the event. My friends Ryan (who attended the A&F Challenge) and Crystal ran with their dog Franklin, my friend Jim ran with his dog Levi, and my friend Matt ran with a "borrowed" dog Mamba. Being that they were all much larger dogs, they all out-performed Slider and me.

Jim & Levi

Unlike last year, I tried to not carry Slider very much and wanted to go completely at his pace. We FLEW during the first mile, as he grabbed the leash with his mouth and zoomed past all of my friends and couuntless others! I was huffing and puffing trying to keep up with the little guy. But, unfortunately, this meant that Slider gassed out pretty quickly, and our final time was pretty much 39 minutes on the dot (which pales in comparison to last year's 33 minutes).

Thankfully, there were water pit-stops along the way, which were very helpful for all of the dogs in the hot weather. I had a special hydration belt for backup, too, which I advise anyone bring if they are interested in doing a dog run this summer (official or unofficial).

After the race, we were able to peruse the various booths that were set up by the finish line. Everything from vets to pet photographers, and even the "Pet Butler" (who will take care of your poopy lawns!). We got a lot of freebies for both the dogs and ourselves, and we got to comingle with a bunch of other dogs and their owners. There were even kiddie pools full of water for the pups to jump in and cool off!

All in all, my 2nd year at the Run With The Pack 5K was a huge success and allowed my dog and I to bond and get in shape while helping a good cause.

Slider: Small But Mighty!

If you are interested in doing a "doggy 5K" in Ohio, see the upcoming events below:

- 5K Freedom Run & 1Mile Mutt Strut - Chagrin Falls (7/7/13)
- Darby Creek Trail Run 5K/10K Run/Walk - Galloway (7/13/13)
- Dirty Dog Run, Walk, or Wash - Avon Lake  (7/20/13)
- Defend Your Friend 5K - Columbus (8/1/13)
- Woodland Woof Walk - Dayton (8/3/13)

- Mentor Mutt Strut - Mentor (8/7/13)

Spend A Day in German Village

With its cobblestone roads, gawk-worthy homes, and beautiful landscaping, German Village is truly one of the most quaint neighborhoods in downtown Columbus. Here are the TOP 10 attractions for you to check out:

1. Schiller Park: This perfect park, located smack dab in the middle of German Village, has a great pond with a bridge where it's common to see people feeding ducks, playing with motorized boats, or having a romantic walk (or just a nice chat with a friend). There's also unique landscaping and lots of statues peppered throughout the park, including a huge one of Mr. Schiller himself. In summer months, an amphitheatre comes alive with theater productions. It's free and kid-friendly!!

2. Schmidt's Sausage Haus Und Restaurant: When visiting German Village, you must eat at Schmidt's Sausage Haus where the food is authentically German, the waitstaff dons German garb, and the restaurant itself is on the national registry of historic places! Schmidt's is known for its Bahama Mama sausage, which I suggest you enjoy as part of the Autobahn Buffet. They are also known for their FAMOUS cream puffs. SAVE ROOM FOR THE CREAM PUFFS!

READ MORE AT DISCOVERING OHIO, THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF THE OHIO DIVISION OF TOURISM

5 Doggy OHventures

Photos by OHventures

 

 

As a new dog owner, I am constantly seeking out new adventures that me and my pup can enjoy together. Believe it or not, there are a great deal of fun furry-friend establishments and activities for your pet across Ohio! Here is a short list of 5 OHventures you can emBARK on with your dog!

 

1. Eat Some Graeter's Ice Creams: Graeter's Ice Cream was established in the suburbs of Cincinnati in the late 1800s and has been an Ohio staple ever since. Graeter's continually is awarded as having some of the best ice cream in the state, having prominence in Columbus, Dayton, and even in some surrounding states such as Kentucky. Graeter's is a dog friendly establishment, allowing pups on the outdoor patios and providing you with FREE "Purina Frosty Paws" and small cup of water upon request (see photo above). Some stores even are known to hold an event known as "Graeter's Dog Night Out" (in places such as Centerville) where local vets and pet stores show up to hand out goodies and you get to be social with your dogs!  You can find one of dozens of locations near you from Athens to Zanesville by checking on the Graeters Store Locator Website.

 

2. Run A Doggy 5K: Since having my dog (for the past three months), I have participated in two "doggy 5K races" in which hundreds of dog owners gather together with their canine companions to participate in a 5K race or a one mile fun walk. The events typically are charity races that raise funds for local animal shelters or organizations, such as the Humane Society. I ran in the "Run With The Pack 5K" in June and the "Defend Your Friend 5K" in July. There are also events I have caught wind of such as the Mutt Strut in Plain Township, the Dog Jog in Columbus and the Dirty Dog Run in Cleveland.  I have to say that these are some of the most fun things I have done in a long, long time! If you have a dog, and/or if you simply care about dogs, I highly encourage you to participate in a doggy 5K! This race brings a smile to my face seeing all of the happy-go-lucky dogs running about, and knowing that it goes to such a good cause.

 

3. Drink Wine With The Pups: Believe it or not, some wine establishments in Ohio are open to dogs as well! While of course the dogs would not be sipping on the bubbly with you, they can join you at the winery. Since most wineries have outdoor seating in warmer months, and many do not have full kitchens, health codes allow for the dogs to intermingle on the patio. Perennial Vineyards in Navarre is an example of such a winery. They are so dog friendly at Perennial Vineyards that they even have a wine whose proceeds go to local animal shelters. Camelot Cellars in Columbus is an example of an indoor winery that holds special events for dogs. The first Friday of every month, Camelot Cellars teams up with Three Dog Bakery to host Freaky Fur-Day Whine Tasting, where they have treats for your little ones! Be sure to call ahead to your winery to check their policy on dogs.

 

4. Take a Hike With You Dog!: Most state and metro parks in Ohio have a special pet policy that allows for dogs to come along on a hike with you. Some have special paths that are designated for dogs while other portions of the park are off limits. For instance, the gardens at Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville prohibit dogs, but there are paths in which dogs are permitted. Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Northeast Ohio encourages pets to join you on your hike, but advises you to be on the look out for wild animals such as black bears or even raccoons that could potentiall harm your dog. They also ask you to use discretion when sharing the hiking trail with other dogs, runners, bicyclists, cross country skiiers, etc. The bottom line: every park is different, but most hiking trails are an open door policy!

 

5. Visit a Dog Park: While it seems obvious, some folks don't realize that there are dozens and dozens of fantastic dog parks in Ohio. Each park is a little different, so it is up to you to do some research to see what is best for your dog! Finding a park that offers one area for small dogs and one area for larger dogs is a "plus" in my book, as I have a 9-pound pup that shouldn't intermingle with humungous St. Bernards. Scioto Audubon Metro Park in Columbus is one such park, and it also has obstacle courses for the dogs! Some dog parks are as simple as an open area with a fence, such as Wheeler Park, also in Columbus. Some parks require you to be a paid member, such as the Wood County Dog Park in Bowling Green. This ensures that all dogs at the park are vaccinated, de-flead, and non-aggressive. Checking your city's local Yelp listings is a good way to find the perfect dog park in your area. Using a smart phone app or website, such as Doggoes is also helpful!

 

 

Defend Your Friend 5K Recap

Photos by OHventures

If you have been following OHventures lately at all (or my personal Twitter feed), you will know that I have recently rescued a Chihuahua named Slider. It seems like much longer than the 2 months that it has been since I adopted him, as we have participated in a number of fun activities, including a couple of 5K races in which both dogs and their owners participate. The most recent of these 5K races was the Defend Your Friend 5K on Thursday, August 2 at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park in South Columbus.

The Defend Your Friend 5K was our second “doggy 5K” (the first being the Run With The Pack 5K in June) and it proved to be more difficult than the first. It was certainly a hot day, which did not help the situation. However, the main issue, I believe, is that the race began in the evening rather than in the morning. By the time 7PM rolled around and Slider and I were to start our race, he was already pretty pooped. Being a dog of his size (a whopping 9-ish pounds), Slider can run out of energy rather quickly!

The event was put on by the Capital Area Humane Society and was to benefit the organization’s cruelty investigation unit. I can not stomach the simple thought of someone intentionally harming an animal in any way, and having heard some of the stories from the investigators themselves, I certainly was happy to contribute in any way possible to help save animals and prevent them from being mistreated. Any race that has a noble cause such as this gets bonus points in my book!

Apparently this is the first year that the race took place at this location, which led to some confusion it seems, I learned from talking to some runners who have participated for multiple years. I will admit that I was rather disappointed in the number of booths and athletes that this race had in comparison to the Run With The Pack, but I believe there were a number of contributing factors involved and that didn’t make it any less fun.

After arriving with my friend Caitlyn (who became official bag carrier and photographer), we gathered some free goodies (dog treats, a t-shirt, a portable water bowl, and a doggy bandana to name a few) and I stretched out for the run! When the horn sounded, I came to find that my stretching was not as needed as I thought, since Slider was not performing as well as he did in his first 5K (which was 33 minutes). We had to take a number of breaks, and I even carried him and ran/walked a number of times. It is important when running a race with your dog to put your dog's needs and interests first, and to ensure that the dog is not being pushed too far.

The course for the Defend Your Friend 5K was the same exact course we had for the Run With The Pack 5K, which looped around the park and took place mainly on the Olentangy Greenway Trail.

Perusing the interwebs, I stumbled across a fellow blogger’s recap of the event, who coincidentally described her encounter with me and Slider on her post (Gym Class Dropout). It is hilarious that this stranger decided to include me in her blog, and I am still smiling about it! An excerpt from her post is below:

“The other best part was playing leap frog with a chihuahua.  I'm not kidding.  This dog must have been practicing the Galloway run/walk method.  His owner was smart enough to realize it was hot and that the little dog wasn't going to be running the entire 3.1 miles.  I mean his legs were 3 inches long!  So he'd run a little, pass me and then walk a little and I'd pass them.  Then then passed me again....except this time the owner was running but carrying the little dog.  It was pretty cute. I realize that a 41:42 5K isn't earth shattering.  It's still slow but it's still a PR for me.  I also realize that when you are a back of the packer, you have to have a sense of humor.  Getting passed by a chihuahua with 3 inch legs is one of those times when you have to have a sense of humor.”

It is evident by this blogger’s post that Slider and I drew a great deal of attention with our race! He is definitely a “sprinter” as he would walk for a while then speed up for a while, only to slow right back down to a walk. I am proud of the little guy, as I know that for him, this must have been more like a marathon than a 5K. I was not the only one whose dog needed a break, however. Some owners of smaller dogs carried their pups while some others had to take short rests in the grassy areas off to the side of the trail. It was exceptionally hot out, so much so that even the water stations wouldn’t do the trick completely!

Slider and I ran along with another couple and their two dogs at the very end of the race, and trotted across the finish line in approximately 45 minutes or so (I do not know the official time, but it was longer than our first 5K). We were given homemade doggy ice cream and water and relaxed with Caitlyn before heading home.

If you have a dog, and/or if you simply care about dogs, I highly encourage you to participate in the Defend Your Friend 5K in years to come! It is quite an experience!

Inniswood Metro Gardens

Photos by OHventures

Inniswood Metro Gardens
940 S. Hempstead Road
Westerville, OH 43081

Flowers, waterfalls and statues are amongst the beautiful scenery that make Inniswood Metro Gardens stand out from the rest of the Central Ohio Metroparks. Located in Westerville, in northern Franklin County, Inniswood has always jumped from the pages in all of the photos I have ever seen, and I knew I had to make a trip to see for myself the lavish landscaping up close and personal.

Inniswood is one of those places that is so gorgeous that it is difficult to find words to accurately encapsulate its beauty (which is why I have dedicated a photo blog solely to this park). The hiking paths found at Inniswood are mostly man-made boardwalks, which makes exploring the area easy for all types of hikers of all ages and abilities. Despite rigorous or challenging hiking trails (the six trails total 2.25 miles in length), there is much to be seen and should not be passed by if you are a fan of nature.

Some of the must-see highlights of the Central Ohio park include: the cascading waters at the stunning rock garden, the handsome trellises and brick walkways that make up the rose garden, and the kids' treehouse fort that can be found in what is known as the Sister's Garden. Curiously, a bee garden (pictured above) is a feature of the park, so beware if you are allergic that you steer clear!

Although I went on a scorching hot summer day, I was able to cool off while hiking along the Brookwood Trail and Spring Run Trail, both nestled deep in the woods and sheltered by adequate shade. Being near the streams and fountains also helped me to cool down! As on any hike, however, bringing with me hiking essentials such as a water bottle and map was crucial.

Access to the park is free of charge. Pets are allowed only outside of the formal garden area. Food is also not allowed, so, sadly, picnics are out of the question. Even though it is the smallest of all of the Central Ohio Metro Parks, Inniswoods has a lot of great things to see and is a worthwhile trip.

Run With The Pack Recap

Photo by Steve Matheny

They say a dog often takes after its owner. And, in my case, that seems to be true! My newly rescued pet chihuahua Slider has been an absolute joy over the past month that I have owned him. Just like me, he seems to be quite the adventurer and athlete! Not many would expect that out of a nine pound fully grown dog, but I have certainly lucked out by landing myself an OHventurous canine companion!

This was evidenced by our recent participation in the "Run With The Pack 5K" to benefit Pets Without Parents. The race is designed so that you can run with your dog, with the entry fee going toward a great cause of helping shelter pets find homes. It took place this past weekend, Saturday, June 23 bright and early at 8:30 AM at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park.

Slider and I arrived at 7:30 AM with my mom and aunt who were visiting Columbus for the weekend. We had a late night, so an early morning race was going to prove challenging. I chugged a 5 Hour Energy Drink, ate some granola bars and stretched out in preps for the event. This was my first official race since running the Capital City Half Marathon in May, and I was still recovering from illiotibial (IT) band syndrome from that race. Slider and I had run just a couple of times in the days leading up to the race, but I had seen him run freely in the dog park and knew he'd be a fast one!

Photos by OHventures

Dozens of booths lined the paths near the starting line, including a Doggy Kissing Booth, raffle drawings, giveaways, sponsors, and more! Some of my favorite booths included the Pet Butler (who cleans your yard when **it happens!), the Animal Hospital of Polaris (which seems to have a great deal of amenities), and the various booths offering treats and other services.

Literally hundreds of dogs and their owners were at the park on that beautiful Saturday morning. Some people ran without a dog as well, or there were multiple people running with one dog. Every breed imaginable was present, from bulldogs to bichons, collies to cocker spaniels, and mutts galore! Slider was definitely in the smaller size bracket, but that did not stop him from performing above and beyond any expectations!

The horn blew when I was in the middle of filling out raffle tickets, so I had a bit of a delayed start. But once we started running, it was Slider speeding ahead, zipping through the crowd and causing quite a spectacle! Many people commented to us as we ran by, in aw at how quickly my dog's four little legs were moving. I had a hard time keeping up with the little guy! However, immediately when we hit the 1 Mile Marker, right by the Scioto River, Slider had to take a rest to go potty and drink some water.

We picked up the pace again for the second mile, as we ran under a path shaded nicely by trees. Still, I was pouring down sweat, and it seemed to be time to downshift to a power walk for a bit. At one point, I picked Slider up to give his paws a break as we jogged for a few tenths of a mile. After stopping for some more water, we kicked it into gear and ran the third and final mile. More comments came from fellow runners who were impressed and amused by Slider's abilities and demeanor.

I too gave compliments and made comments to other runners on how well their dogs were doing, and how beautiful their pets were! There was a gorgeous husky running near us most of the time, and a number of retrievers I was fond of! But the chit chat was kept to a minimum, as Slider and I had a lot to prove! We finished strong with a time of approximately 33 minutes! I was very proud of my dog (and I am sure he was proud of me). We had some water, and also had him cool off in a small doggy pool. After replenishing with a bagel and apple, we mingled (including with my friend and OHventurer Jason Warner) and made our way back home to rest!

I have to say that this was one of the most fun things I have done in a long, long time! If you have a dog, and/or if you simply care about dogs, I highly encourage you to participate! This race brings a smile to my face seeing all of the happy-go-lucky dogs running about, and knowing that it goes to such a good cause. There are other dog runs around the state that you can keep an eye out for! It is quite an experience!

Columbus Parks Series

Scioto Audobon Metro Park - Photo by OHventures

Even though Columbus is the largest city in Ohio, it's not all skyscrapers and concrete roads! In fact, Columbus Parks and Recreation notes that there are 215 developed parks within city limits. These greenspaces are all different in their own ways, and there are certainly a number of them that stand out from the rest. Below is a list of my personal favorite parks within Columbus city limits. Whether you live here or are visiting, you should most definitely stop by these spots to soak in the beauty and get active in the outdoors!!

*Please note, these are in no particular order*

1. Goodale Park (120 West Goodale Street, Short North): This is one of the most well known and well loved parks in the city. It is iconic for its beautiful pond, fountain and gazebo; and for hosting the infamous ComFest, a community festival like none other! It's complete with tennis courts, a kickball diamond, and a one-mile perimeter perfect for running.

2. Schiller Park (1069 Jaeger Street, German Village): You can find this fantastic park amongst the cobblestone catacombs of German Village, one of the most eccentric and ethnic areas of the city. Here, you can throw a frisbee, play touch football, hop on the playgrounds, stroll through the gardens, or even catch a theatrical performance in the amphitheatre.

3. Columbus Commons (160 S High Street, Downtown): The newest addition to the Columbus park scene, Columbus Commons is built on the same land where the City Center shopping mall once stood. Now, one can partake in a carousel ride, dig your nose into a book at the outdoor reading room, take a free kickboxing class, or catch a concert on the lawn.

4. Wheeler Park Dog Park (725 Thurber Drive West, Harrison West): If you are a dog owner, then this is the place for you....hands (and paws) down! The park recently became exclusively for dogs and their owners with the addition of a fence a couple of years ago, and there hasn't been a dull moment yet. The place is fantastic to meet other dog owners and for your pups to meet other canines.

Scioto Mile

Photo by OHventures

Scioto Mile Park

233 Civic Center Dr

Columbus, OH 43215


I'm in love. The brand new Scioto Mile has been unveiled in downtown Columbus and it has me smiling from ear to ear. It is literally a mile of "greenspace" in the otherwise concrete chaos of downtown that runs along the Scioto River. It links together Bicentennial Park, North Bank Park, and Batelle Park so that they are essentially all a part of one ultra  mega park! This also means that part of the Olentangy Greenway runs through the Scioto Mile, so runners, bicyclists and power walkers alike can be found getting their cardio on by the mighty Scioto.

It's obvious that a ton of money was put into this promising park. Funding was provided on the local, state, national, and corporate levels! It completely has transformed the riverfront to accommodate not only health-conscious folks, but an array of other demographics. The area screams "date night," with its romantic and relaxing swinging iron benches, intricate statues and floral arrangements, and grassy knolls ideal for picnics and stargazing.

Franklin Park Conservatory

Photo by OHventures

Franklin Park Conservatory

1777 E. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43203
(614) 645-8733

Forget about lawn gnomes and tacky plastic flamingoes. The Franklin Park Conservatory added a whole new breed of garden ornaments to their greenhouse. Amidst trees and cacti lies a garden of glass. Towering to the ceiling, vibrant hand-blown glass in the shapes of plants and flowers are integrated with their real-life counterparts.

People from the beginning of gardening have always been interested in putting artwork in their gardens. This ranges from stone statues in the days of ancient Greece to today's residential backyards.

The Franklin Park Conservatory has taken this classical idea and pushed the envelope by putting artwork in a conventional botanical greenhouse.

The Conservatory, located at 1777 E. Broad Street, added Dale Chihuly's "Fiori" collection in 2006 and it has truly transformed the building, giving it a fresh and fun feel.

At the start of a tour of the Conservatory, visitors enter the Hot Shop, which is a room dedicated to explaining the process of glass blowing. On the wall are seven steps to the process that are demonstrated once a month during special programs at the Conservatory. During these programs, the floor is covered in graffiti, and examples of hand-blown glass are exhibited.

Park of Roses

Photo Credit

Whetstone Park of Roses
3923 N High St
Columbus, OH 43214

The Whetstone Park of Roses has got to be THE best place to take someone you love. It is a very romantic location, even if you aren't all that romantic. It's so tranquil and picturesque, you forget you're in the state capitol! We are pretty lucky to have this place in Columbus. (Can you tell I like this place??)

The first couple of times I went to the Whetstone Park of Roses, I didn't get to see the roses! This is because I did not do my research and therefore did not know where in this MASSIVE park the roses actually were (plus, I was just riding on the bike trail, which is not quite near the rose garden). Once I finally saw where the roses were, my jaw dropped! I couldn't believe how beautiful this park was and what I had been missing!

When you arrive at the Whetstone Park of Roses, you will see a fishing pond, soccer fields, a portion of the Olentangy Bike Trail, and a building by the parking lot. To find the roses, go BEHIND the building (I am such a genius).

Topiary Garden

Photo by OHventures

Topiary Garden
480 E Town St
Columbus, OH 43215

Want to see a painting come alive? You're in luck because in downtown Columbus, you can find The Topiary Garden, located in the Old Deaf School Park on Town Road. Here lies a real-life re-creation of Georges Seurat's famous post-impressionist painting, "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte."

Think of it as if Edward Scissorhands got a hold of a bunch of hedge bushes and hacked away at them so they resembled the people and animals from the Seurat painting. it's a spectacular sight. It's truly as if you were sucked into the painting as you walk amongst the sculpted bushes. There is a photo posted of the painting for those who are unfamiliar so you can compare and contrast. It's best to see the bushes at their finest in spring, summer and early fall. I went there recently in November, however, and you can still see all of the figures pretty good.

This place would be the perfect setting if you wanted to grab a canvas and acryllics and do your own painting. Or, if you just would like to sit and read or draw, it is a picturesque and peaceful place to do so. You can truly get inspired by strolling through this park.

There is also a museum shop with restrooms, and items for sale such as garden books and other horticultural items.

At the very least, definitely swing by for a few minutes and take a walk through a 3-D painting!

Quick Park Specs: Gardens, Pond, Running

Schiller Park

Photos by OHventures

Schiller Park
1069 Jaeger St
Columbus, OH 43206

I am a park fiend. Meaning, if I can find the right park, I can truly spend an entire day there and be completely content. Schiller Park is that perfect park. There is a bit of everything at there and it is in the perfect location. It is in the heart of German Village, which is truly one of the most quaint and down to earth neighborhoods in downtown Columbus.

The park (which in my opinion is rivaled only by Whetstone Park of Roses and Goodale Park) has a great pond with a bridge where it is common to see people feeding ducks, playing with motorized boats, or having a romantic walk with a loved one (or just a nice chat with a friend). There are also a lot of floral arrangements and unique landscaping peppered throughout the park, and lots of need statues, including a huge one of Mr. Schiller himself. You can't miss it.

The most unique thing about Schiller Park is that in the summer months, they have theatre productions in an amphitheatre in one corner of the park. Pack a picnic or some wine and some blankets and enjoy the show! It is free and kid-friendly, and sure as hell beats watching TV in the summer!!

Goodale Park

Photos by OHventures

Goodale Park
120 West Goodale Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Oh, Goodale Park, why are you so good to me? This is my favorite park in all of Columbus...plain and simple.

I admit, that this probably has a lot to do with Goodale Park being so close to where I live...but ACTUALLY I probably chose to live where I do because of how close it is to Goodale Park!

I first came to Goodale Park for the infamous "Community Festival" or "ComFest" held every summer. This is an event that is not for the faint of heart...but for someone like me, ComFest's free-spiritedness, jam bands, patchouli, booze, food vendors, and body paint made me warm and fuzzy on the inside. ComFest this year is June 24-26, 2011.

But ComFest is just one weekend a year (at the end of June) and does not represent Goodale Park as a whole. Goodale Park is sandwiched between the Short North, Victorian Village, Harrison West, and Park Street bars. I usually walk through going from one neighborhood to the next, or when coming to/from Park Street bars.

Goodale Park is perfect for running...which you can witness on any given sunny day. The park has a perimeter of approximately 1 mile, so you can easily keep track of how far you've run. There's also a kickball/softball diamond, tennis courts and playgrounds.